asked the Minister for Finance what would be the loss to the revenue at the same rates of customs duty if tobacco consumption were to have dropped in the years 1959/60, 1960/61 and 1961/62 by one per cent. in each such year on the basis that it is (a) the first year in which such alteration was made, (b) the second year and (c) a year in which the full effect of the alteration was felt.
Written Answers. - Tobacco Consumption.
87.
Figures relating to consumption of tobacco are not available.
If the net quantity of tobacco retained for home use during the full year 1959/60 had been 1 per cent. less than it was, the resulting loss of revenue, at the rates of duty in force during that year, would have been £272,148 in that year.
Similarly, if the net quantity of tobacco retained for home use during the full year 1960/61 had been 1 per cent. less than it was, the resulting loss of revenue, at the rates of duty in force during that year, would have been £282,854 in that year.
The corresponding particulars relating to the year 1961/62 are not yet available. If the Deputy puts down a question on the subject in about a week's time I expect then to be in a position to furnish the information requested.